The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1887-03-10
A Present Demand.

The great need in the management of
the States affairs is little common horse
sense less looking to the effect that official
action will have upon party, and more
consideration for the wants, the conve-
nience, the interests and the necessities of
the people. A striking instance of how
the laws are interpreted and enforced, was
afforded by a correspondence which took
place between prominent merchant OF
StauntOn and the States officials, last
week. The merchant excepted to the rul-
ing of Commissioner Crowder. in requir.
ing store fixtures to be returned separately
for taxation. He claimed that such fix
lures were part of the capital invested in
business and had already been taxed under
that head. Commissioner Crowder was of
contrary opinion, and to settle the matter
aruling was asked from the Auditor s
office. In reply to the inquiry letter was
received from the Auditors Office sustain.
ing the view of the local commissioner
The merchant, still not satisfied, addressed
letter to the Attorney General, reciting
the facts, demonstrating the injustice of
the ruling, and adding that persistence
in such course would not only arouse the
resentment of the business classes, but
would prove disastrous to the Democratic
party, in the hands of which was the adj
ministration of the State affairs. Prompt
ly reply came, stating that the matter
had been referred to the Auditor, who de-
clared that the ruling in question had been
made by a clerk in his office, without his
knowledge, and that it was an error. The
Auditor then reversed the ruling and noti-
fed the Ssaunton Commissioner not to re-
quire store fixtures to be returned sepa-
rately for taxation. In accordance with
instructions, Commissioner CroWder has
stricken from the list the returns made by
merchants of fixtures.
The clerk also wrote stating that upon
reconsideration he had reversed his decis-
ion.
To plain people the excuse of the Audi
tor is lame and imp0tent. If, when a
question involving the rights and interests
of numerous class is referred to State
department, the letter is turned over to an
irresponsible clerk, and answer made hap
hagard, the people can have neither respect
for nor confidence in the officials designa-
ted to attend to their affairs. What right
has mere subordinate, without even the
knowledge of his superior, to undertake to
pass upon questions of grave concern, and
in the name of that superior give forth
opinions that carry the weight of an official
determination ? And what can be thought
of management that would tolerate such
q usurpation of authority? If the clerk
acted solely upon his own responsibility,
then such ''pernicious activity" should
create q vacancy at once. If the Auditor
relegates his duties to laundering subordi-
mates, then he should be substituted as
early as practicable by business man who
will conduct the office in business way
This thing Of mere politicians being in
Quoted into positions in which plain, COM
mon sense and business capacity are de-
manded. has been carried too far in Hir-
ginia. The State has been ruined by poll
ticians, and is sinking deeper and deeper
into the mire, under the weight of the
same influences. 1t is time the people
were allowed chance. 1t is time that an
honest, earnest effort be made to admins
ter the affairs Of the State upon practical
business principles, and that practical
business men be selected to do the work.
The basement of the Capitol has been for
years political hospital, and the result is
that there is not living man who can tell
its condition to day. For all of this in
competence, confusion, waste and disorder
the people have to pay and pay dearly, and !
they will continue to groan under the |
imposition until they make up their minds
to send business men to the legislature
who will elect business men to the high |
positions of the State.